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Bags per Cubic Yard Calculator

Bagged mulch, soil and stone are sold in cubic feet, while bulk is sold in cubic yards. Enter the volume and the bag size on the label, and see how many bags make a yard. It also converts a pile of bags back into cubic yards so you can compare against bulk prices.

Bags per Cubic Yard CalculatorCalculated live

Results are estimates. Soil, stone and mulch settle, weigh differently and vary by supplier. Confirm quantities and local requirements before ordering.

How to calculate it

A cubic yard is 3 ft × 3 ft × 3 ft = 27 cubic feet. Divide 27 by the size of the bag in cubic feet and round up.

Formula: bags = cubic yards × 27 ÷ bag size (cu ft).

The reverse works too: cubic yards = bags × bag size ÷ 27. Bag sizes are printed on the label, usually in cubic feet. Soil often comes in 0.75 or 1 cu ft bags, mulch in 2 or 3 cu ft bags, and decorative stone in 0.5 cu ft bags.

Worked example

How many 2 cu ft bags make 1 cubic yard:

Cubic yards	1 yd³ 27 cubic feet
2 cu ft bags	13.5 bags buy 14 (round up)
0.5 cu ft bags	54 bags buy 54
0.75 cu ft bags	36 bags buy 36
1 cu ft bags	27 bags buy 27
1.5 cu ft bags	18 bags buy 18
3 cu ft bags	9 bags buy 9

Bags in one cubic yard

Bag size	Bags per cubic yard
0.5 cu ft	54
0.75 cu ft	36
1 cu ft	27
1.5 cu ft	18
2 cu ft	13.5
3 cu ft	9

Tips

Compare prices per cubic foot or per cubic yard, not per bag. Bag sizes vary between brands.
Bulk is usually cheaper once you need roughly two cubic yards or more, but check delivery fees.
Some brands state the volume before compaction. Packed bags can hold slightly less than the label suggests.
Round up. It is easier to use leftover bags than to make another trip.